Bed Smart 101
Pillows are like a mini bed for your head! Just like your bed should provide proper support for your body, your pillow should give you the right support for your head, neck, and spine. Your pillow should hold your head in the same position to your shoulders and spine as if you were standing with correct upright posture.
Side Sleeper
If you sleep on your side, you may want a firmer pillow to give your head and neck extra support. BedMart offers pillows of different shapes and sizes specific for side sleepers; select the right pillow to provide correct spinal alignment and avoid neck and back pain!
Back Sleeper
If you sleep on your back, try a medium-firm pillow to cradle your head in the optimal position. Improper height (too high or too low) can cause neck pain, back pain, and constricted breathing! Keep those airways open and sleep soundly.
Stomach Sleeper
If you sleep on your stomach, consider an extra soft pillow to allow your head to sink to the right level and lessen strain on your neck. Firm, high-loft pillows will elevate the head beyond the spine, leading to discomfort in the neck and lower back. Don’t believe us? Stop for a second and look straight up with your head tipped back. Your neck feels strained right? Now imagine sleeping like that for 8 solid hours!
BedMart offers a wide array of pillows at a variety of comfort levels and price points, since shopping for the right pillow is an essential aspect of building your perfect sleep system. We recommend shopping for your pillow and mattress simultaneously to ensure both items work together properly for your sleep comfort needs.
The timeframe for how long a pillow can be used often depends on the quality of the pillow. Generally, pillows should be replaced every year, but some pillows may wear faster than others.
Try this simple test to help determine if your pillow needs to be replaced: Fold your pillow in half (thirds for larger pillows) and squeeze out the air. When you release the pillow it should spring back into its original shape and fullness. If it doesn’t, you may want to consider adding a new pillow to your BedMart shopping list.
There are additional ways to determine if your pillow needs to be replaced by looking for signs of wear and tear over time. If you notice the following signs, you should consider replacing your pillow:
- It doesn’t feel as supportive as it did when you first bought it
- Yellowing or visible staining
- Feels lumpy or bumpy